Impact of prostate needle biopsy on erectile function: A prospective study

Needle biopsy of the prostate is a diagnostic method for prostate cancer which is a relatively safe method with low risk of serious complications. The evidences regarding the occurrence of erectile dysfunction following prostate biopsy are controversial. Herein, we aimed at determining the rate of erectile dysfunction in those undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy.

All candidates for prostate biopsy were enrolled. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 was completed 1 m before and 1, 3, and 6 months after ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy by each patient for erectile dysfunction. Patients with a previous history of erectile dysfunction which due to a positive pathology had received any type of treatment were excluded from the study.

Eighty patients with the mean age of 64.8 years, the mean prostate-specific antigen level of 11.64 ng/dL, and the mean prostate volume of 62.43 cc were included. The prostate biopsy result was positive in 38.8% of the cases. No significant relationship was found between erectile dysfunction and prostate-specific antigen level, prostate volume, and the pathology result (P = 0.320, 0.509, and 0.131). The mean questionnaire score 1 month before and after the biopsy was 23 and 18, respectively; it demonstrated a significant difference (P < 0.001). The same score was 17 and 14.5 three and six months after biopsy. The mean score 1 m before and 3 m after biopsy also revealed a significant difference (P < 0.001).

Transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the prostate causes progressive erectile dysfunction in these patients. This relationship is not affected by the biopsy result, prostate volume, or the prostate-specific antigen level.